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The risk of passing a chronic condition on to your child is real, but it's hard to say what the actual likelihood is.

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As a mom, there are a lot of fears and worries you have for your children. If you have a chronic condition, like psoriatic disease, that can add a host of other concerns: How will my pregnancy go with this condition? Will I have to stop my medication? Once I give birth, will I have a flare-up of psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis?

A huge worry is the thought of passing the autoimmune disease on to your little one. The last thing we want is for our children to battle fatigue, swollen and achy joints, and mental anguish.

When I first found out that I was pregnant, my husband asked me if there was a possibility of passing the condition on to our child. The possibility certainly exists, but it’s hard to say what the actual likelihood is.

I shared my concerns with some friends who have psoriatic disease. Todd, who’s also a patient advocate, told me he has some of the same fears.

“I have two wonderful children approaching the age when I was first diagnosed,” he says. “I know how this disease derailed my career. I know how people suddenly treated me different. It was a tough pill to swallow.”

But Todd takes comfort in knowing how much progress has been made in treating psoriatic disease. “The medications are amazing these days, and they have so many more options than when I was first diagnosed,” he says. Still, he added. “I'd rather them not have to take this roller-coaster ride.”

My friend and advocate Sabrina agreed. “My biggest fear about having psoriasis was passing it on to my children,” she told me. “But I am honestly so grateful for the treatments, resources, and support that we have now that it eases my worry day to day.”

Sabrina stressed the importance of being knowledgeable about research and treatments, “so that if my children ever were to get it, I know that we have options.”

Another way Sabrina combats her fears is by volunteering with organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation. “I love that they have a program specifically devoted to kids with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis,” she says. “I also get my kids involved in the walks and fundraising I do, so they can see what their mama does for those living with psoriasis and how it helps me living with this disease.”

Talking to Todd and Sabrina really helped. Sure, there are reasons to worry, but there are numerous reasons to be optimistic as well.

I’d like to pass along three things to remember that may calm your own fears and anxieties:

1. New Psoriatic Treatment Options Each year, more and more treatment options are available. A wide range of injectables, pills, and topicals can help patients manage their symptoms.

As parents, we can rest easier knowing that more treatments are being approved for juvenile indications. Doctors have more information now that can help them diagnose and treat patients effectively. And parents who have experienced their own trials and tribulations with the condition can help better guide their children.

2. Research and Advocacy Opportunities I’m an ambassador for the National Psoriasis Foundation, and I see how tremendously impactful they are in research. They have grants that are pushing forward innovative treatments. They have programs like the One to One Mentor program that connects you with others living with psoriatic disease. They also put on events and walks. Having such a strong foundation behind this condition can help patients and parents feel confident that there is someone fighting on their behalf.

3. Support Within the Community The One to One Mentor program is just one example of the amazing support available within the psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis community. There are many bloggers (like Sabrina and myself), Facebook groups (like Todd’s), and resources, like the NPF and Everyday Health, available. Patients can rest easy knowing that they’re not alone.

I’d never wish psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis on my children, but these things help me rest a little easier. Some things are out of our control, but we can relax a bit and ease the anxieties of being a parent if we focus on the positives.

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health. See More

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